2018 Honda CR-V: Preview, Pricing, Release Date

Model Preview

After years of sitting as the leader in sales in the compact crossover class and not doing much to retain that position, Honda finally completely redesigned the CR-V for 2017. The latest version will debut in late 2016 in a highly competitive segment. Since it will still be relatively new, we anticipate the 2018 CR-V to be largely a carryover.

The new-look CR-V takes the basic design of the previous generation and soften things up a bit in the wind tunnel. The results are more swooping body lines, a sleek roofline, sleeker wraparound headlights, a cleaner front fascia and a more rounded rear hatch. The new CR-V also features a longer hood and wheelbase, a shorter rear overhang and new dual exhaust to give it an even sportier look, while narrower A-pillars help with visibility. This should all carry on in the new model year unchanged.

New features that debuted on the 2017 CR-V should continue into the 2018 model. These features include the foot-activated hands-free liftgate, auto high-beam headlights and rain-sensing wipers.

Inside, the new-generation CR-V is larger, giving passengers and cargo class-leading roominess. It also has plenty of high-end materials, like a soft-touch instrument panel, and loads of available features, like a 7-inch touchscreen, a physical volume knob, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, remote start, an electric parking brake, heated front seats and more. We expect all this to carry over into the new year.

The most impressive update in the new-generation CR-V is its new 190-horsepower turbocharged 1.5-liter powerplant in the EX and higher trims. This engine adds some much-needed peppiness into the lineup without compromising on fuel economy. The LX models continue with the 2.4-liter engine, but Honda has yet to reveal its output. Both engines pair with a continuously variable transmission that ships power to either the front wheels or all four. We anticipate both engines carrying over without any changes in the new year.

In 2016, the CR-V was an IIHS Top Safety Pick+, and we expect nothing less from the new generation. Like the current model, the new CR-V will continue with available collision mitigation braking with forward collision warning, adaptive cruise, lane-keep assist, blind-spot information and more.

Pricing & Release Date

Honda has yet to release pricing for the new-generation CR-V, but we expect it to see a mild hike relative to the last-gen model, which ranged from $24,745 to $34,395 (destination fees included).